Only an insider would know that Dublin is full of fantastic pubs and bars that are not on the tourist map. They’re so discrete you might walk right past them without taking a second look, but once you do step inside, you’ll realize what makes them so special. These hidden gems offer something authentic, local, and unpretentious to visitors and locals alike. Here are some of the best secret pubs and cocktail bars in Dublin City Centre to visit while you are in the city and want a break from the buzz of the crowds:
The Bar With No Name
What used to be a very unassuming bar in Dublin’s City Center, has now become one of the favorite places for Dubliners to have their drinks during the weeks or weekends. It keeps on being one of the best-hidden gems in the city and a great place to make friends or relax after a day of touring around. The whole place is furnished with big sofas and chairs, to create the atmosphere of a living room. It also has a big patio full of tables and chairs to sit around, have drinks, and nibble some delicious pub food.
The Bar With No Name is located at Fadebrook House, 3 Fade St, Dublin 2, there are no signs for the bar, so keep an eye out for the big black door where a set of stairs will leave you to the pub.
The Blind Pig
This speakeasy-style spot is a must if you like to come back home from a trip with some inside tips for your friends visiting soon. Not widely known by tourists, this bar has a vast cocktail menu and live music. To get the address of this place, you need to first make a booking on their website, and all instructions will be sent to you by email. To make everything more interesting, the bar is fully decorated with red velvet upholstered walls that are inspired by the secret bars during Prohibition in America.
The Library Bar
In the very heart of Dublin’s City Center and located just on the corner of the busy Camden Street, is one of the best-kept secrets in Dublin, the Library Bar. This charming pub stays on the second floor of the Central Hotel Dublin and has a relaxing and peaceful athmosphere. There are no signs or big advertisements for the bar, so customers are always the locals who have learned about this place years ago and keep going whenever they can. There are many chairs and sofas to grab a drink and deck around, all room is illuminated in low lights and, of course, there are plenty of bookshelves around for you to choose something to read.
Photo via: The Central Hotel on Facebook
Dublin Vintage Cocktail Bar
This secretive bar is tucked away in the very heart of the Temple Bar area, their whole concept is to keep the mystery about what is behind that very discreet and plain front door. The entrance doesn’t give away any hint about the amazing spaces inside, with many floors fully decorated in 1920s-style clandestine bars. This is a perfect spot to grab a drink before a concert, or after dinner. They have a vast menu with options that will please all tastes. If the weather is good, make sure to get a table on their roof terrace.
To visit Dublin Vintage Cocktail bar, go to 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, ring the bell at the front door, and wait for one of the staff to open it and set you at a table.
The Chelsea Drugstore
This cocktail bar is not a hidden gem, in fact, it is pretty known and loved by the locals, but it has a secret spot inside that is worth the visit. Built around the 1900s, the space where the pub exists today was an old pharmacy, hence the name.. Inside you will find a hideaway basement, that has a much quieter vibe and is open to the public, you can grab a pint and enjoy the old-school-styled bar just beside the vibrant George Street. To find it, look for 25 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2.
The Black Market
Located inside the famous The Market Bar, this hidden gem has a totally different vibe from the traditional pub. It is a speak-easy-style cocktail bar in Dublin City Centre with comfortable seating areas and high and low tables, it’s perfect to catch up with friends without the buzz of the busiest pubs around the city center. You can find this Dublin secret bar at 14A Fade St, Dublin 2.
37 Dawson Street
This hidden gem just beside Grafton Street is the most eccentric bar you can visit in Dublin, their drinks menu actually doesn't exist. Instead of ordering from a list of options, the customers can ask for whatever they'd like, or the bartenders can create a unique cocktail based on their personal taste. This is also a perfect spot if you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, just ask the staff and they will surely prepare a perfect virgin cocktail customized for you! The address? You already know what is.
Right, let's spill the beans on Dublin's secret pubs and bars! These hidden gems are where the locals hang out, far from the tourist crowds. Looking for an authentic Dublin experience? You've come to the right place. Here are some common questions about these sneaky spots, answered in a friendly, easy-going way:
- How do I find secret bars in Dublin? That's the fun part – it's a bit of a treasure hunt! Often, there are no obvious signs. Keep an eye out for unmarked doors or subtle clues. Word of mouth is your best friend (and this blog post has a few to get you started!)
- Are there speakeasies in Dublin? Absolutely! Speakeasies, with that cool Prohibition vibe, are definitely a thing here. The Blind Pig, for example, has that speakeasy feel.
- Where are the hidden bars in Dublin city centre? Loads are tucked away right in the city centre. Fade Street, Crown Alley, and Camden Street are good hunting grounds.
- Are there any rooftop bars in Dublin that are hidden? Yes! The Dublin Vintage Cocktail Bar has a rooftop terrace, but its entrance is super discreet.
- How can I find the password for a secret bar? Some places might need a booking or even a password. The Blind Pig, for instance, you book through their website.
- What's the atmosphere like in secret bars? Usually cosy, intimate and one-of-a-kind. Think less crowded, more chat.
- Are secret bars expensive? It may vary. Some might be bit more expensive because they're exclusive, but others are just normal pubs with a secret entrance.
- What kind of drinks do they serve at secret bars? Lots focus on fancy cocktails, but you'll usually find your usual beers and spirits too.
- Is there a dress code for secret bars? Smart casual is generally a safe bet, but it depends on the place.
- Are secret bars crowded? It depends! Some can get busy, especially at weekends. But most of them need booking to get in, so usually no.
- Do secret bars have food? Some might offer bar snacks or small plates, but not all.
- Is it hard to get into a secret bar? It depends on how popular it is and if they have a door policy.
- Why are there secret bars in Dublin? It's fun, it makes for a cool atmosphere and it's a nod to the old speakeasy days.
- How many secret bars are there in Dublin? The number's always changing! After all... Many are hidden!
- Are secret bars legal? Yep, as long as they've got the right licenses.
- What's the history of speakeasies in Dublin? While Dublin didn't have Prohibition like in the States, there's always been a bit of a rebellious vibe...
- Are there any secret bars outside of Dublin city centre? They're mostly in the city centre, but you might stumble across some hidden gems elsewhere too.
These are just some of the best-kept-secret bars around Dublin that are worth your visit. To keep getting news about what to do and what to see in Ireland’s capital follow our blog and Instagram ig @canbe_hostels.
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